International Protection Act 2015

Cessation of refugee status

9. (1) A person shall cease to be a refugee if he or she—

(a) has voluntarily re-availed himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality,

(b) having lost his or her nationality, has voluntarily re-acquired it,

(c) has acquired a new nationality (other than as an Irish citizen), and enjoys the protection of the country of his or her new nationality,

(d) has voluntarily re-established himself or herself in the country which he or she left or outside which he or she remained owing to fear of persecution,

(e) subject to subsections (2) and (3), can no longer, because the circumstances in connection with which he or she has been recognised as a refugee have ceased to exist, continue to refuse to avail himself or herself of the protection of his or her country of nationality, or

(f) subject to subsections (2) and (3), being a stateless person, is able, because the circumstances in connection with which he or she has been recognised as a refugee have ceased to exist, to return to his or her country of former habitual residence.

(2) In determining whether paragraph (e) or (f) of subsection (1) applies, regard shall be had to whether the change of circumstances is of such a significant and non-temporary nature that the person’s fear of persecution can no longer be regarded as well-founded.

(3) Paragraphs (e) and (f) of subsection (1) shall not apply to a refugee who is able to invoke compelling reasons arising out of previous persecution for refusing to avail himself or herself of the protection of his or her country of nationality or, being a stateless person, of the country of former habitual residence.